10 Underrated Used Cars That Deserve a Place on Your Shortlist
It’s tempting to start your search with a really popular model like the Ford Puma or Kia Sportage. However, these 10 underrated used cars can offer more space, more comfort or lower running costs for your money, without the queue of rival buyers.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 19 October 2026 | 8 mins read
Spend five minutes browsing used cars and you'll notice the same names cropping up again and again. Small SUVs like the Ford Puma and family favourites like the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai top plenty of wish lists, and there's nothing wrong with any of them. But strong demand keeps used values high, and you'll often be competing with other buyers for the best examples.
Look a little further down the listings, though, and you'll find cars that do the same job just as well, and sometimes better, from estates with bigger boots than many SUVs to hybrids that cost less to run and electric cars that have quietly become used bargains. Here are 10 of our favourites, all available used or nearly new. If you're still deciding which shape of car suits you, our car body types guide is a good place to start.
1. Skoda Scala
The Scala tends to get lost between the smaller Skoda Fabia and bigger Skoda Octavia, but it's one of the most sensible family hatchbacks you can buy. On sale since 2019, it has far more rear legroom than you'd expect and a 467-litre boot that's much bigger than a Volkswagen Golf's. Most cars use a frugal 1.0-litre petrol with roughly 94bhp to 113bhp, while a 148bhp 1.5 suits anyone covering more motorway miles. It's comfortable, quiet and easy to live with rather than exciting, and cars from the 2024 update get a smarter cabin. You'll find plenty of Skoda Scala listings, from early examples to nearly new.
2. SEAT Leon Estate
If you like the idea of a family SUV but don't really need the extra height, the Leon Estate deserves a long look. The current version arrived in 2020 with a 620-litre boot, more than plenty of mid-size SUVs offer, and sharper handling than taller cars. Engines range from a 109bhp 1.0-litre petrol to the e-Hybrid plug-in hybrid, though its battery cuts boot space to 470 litres. It shares much of its engineering with the Volkswagen Golf, so servicing is straightforward, and you can filter the SEAT Leon listings by estate.
3. Kia Ceed Sportswagon
Much of what makes the Sportage so popular, including Kia's reputation for reliability, comes in this lower, more efficient estate. The third-generation Ceed Sportswagon was sold from 2018 until Kia ended Ceed production in 2025, with the larger K4 taking over. Its 625-litre boot is one of the biggest in its class, and Kia's seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty transfers to later owners, so younger cars may still have cover left. Diesel versions have a smaller 512-litre boot and the plug-in hybrid less again, so check which you're looking at when you browse used Kia Ceed Sportswagon models.
4. Mazda6 Tourer
Mazda stopped selling the 6 in the UK in early 2023 as buyers flocked to SUVs, which is exactly why it makes such a tempting used buy now. The Tourer estate is handsome, well equipped and genuinely enjoyable to drive, with a 522-litre boot. Later cars use 2.0 or 2.5-litre petrol engines with roughly 165bhp to 194bhp, while a punchy 2.2-litre diesel was offered until 2020. Don't confuse it with Mazda's newer, all-electric 6e when you search the Mazda6 Tourer listings.
5. Renault Megane E-Tech
The Megane E-Tech gives you a raised, crossover-style look in a more compact package. Launched in 2022, most UK cars pair a 60kWh battery with a motor of around 215bhp and an official range of up to 280 miles, though independent winter tests have recorded between 170 and 190 miles. The 440-litre boot is generous for the size, while rear legroom is tighter than some rivals. It lost value quickly when new, which is good news if you're buying a used car, and the battery came with an eight-year warranty.
6. Hyundai Ioniq Electric
The Ioniq Electric was one of the first EVs that looked and felt like a normal family hatchback, and it's still one of the most efficient. It was sold from 2016 to 2022, with a 2019 update bringing a larger 38.3kWh battery, a 134bhp motor and an official range of 193 miles. Earlier 28kWh cars manage noticeably less, but are still praised by owners for their efficiency and reliability. The 350-litre boot is modest, but as an affordable commuter or second car it makes a lot of sense. Ask for a battery health report before buying a Hyundai Ioniq Electric, and our electric vehicles hub has more advice on owning one.
7. Honda Civic e:HEV
The latest Civic doesn't get as much attention as some hatchback rivals, but its full hybrid system is one of the best around. Since 2022, every Civic apart from the Type R has used a 2.0-litre petrol engine and two electric motors producing 181bhp, making it quicker than most hybrid rivals while still returning around 56mpg. There's a 410-litre boot and lots of room up front, though rear headroom is tight for taller passengers. You never need to plug it in, Honda's reliability record is a real plus, and the Civic is quite engaging to drive too.
8. Peugeot 508 SW
Peugeot withdrew the 508 from UK sale at the end of 2024, but the SW estate remains one of the most stylish family cars on the used market. Frameless doors, a low, sleek shape and Peugeot's i-Cockpit interior give it a premium feel, while the 530-litre boot grows to 1,780 litres with the rear seats folded. Used buyers can choose from economical 1.5-litre diesels, petrols and plug-in hybrids. Rear headroom is the main compromise, so take your tallest passenger along when you view one of the Peugeot 508 SW examples listed.
9. Suzuki Swace
The Swace is essentially a Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wearing a Suzuki badge, built alongside the Corolla at Toyota's factory in Derbyshire. You get the same proven 1.8-litre hybrid system, a big 596-litre boot and excellent economy, but because fewer people know about it, it was often priced below the equivalent Toyota. Early cars produce 120bhp, while later ones got a more powerful hybrid. You do miss out on Toyota's extended warranty scheme, and Suzuki stopped selling the Swace new in early 2025, so every Suzuki Swace is now a used buy.
10. Citroen C5 Aircross
If you really do want an SUV, the C5 Aircross is the comfortable alternative to a Qashqai or Sportage. The first-generation car, sold from 2018 until a new model arrived in 2025, uses Citroen's Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension to smooth out rough roads, and has three individual rear seats that slide, recline and fold. Slide them forward and the boot grows from 580 to 720 litres. If you're looking at a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol, check the service history carefully, as this engine's timing belt runs in oil, and our what is a wet belt guide explains what to look for before you buy a used Citroen C5 Aircross.
How to pick the right left-field used car
Start with how you actually use your car. If a high seating position makes getting in and out easier, an SUV like the C5 Aircross makes sense, but if you mainly need room for luggage, dogs or bikes, an estate usually gives you a bigger boot and better economy for the same money. If most of your driving is local and you can charge at home, a used electric car like the Ioniq or Megane could cut your running costs significantly, while a full hybrid like the Civic or Swace suits mixed driving without a charger. Our best value used cars guide has more ideas if budget comes first.
What to check before you buy
Less common models can be harder to find in exactly the spec you want, so be prepared to widen your search area. Whatever you choose, ask for a full service history and check the MOT history for free on the GOV.UK MOT history service, which also flags unfixed safety recalls. Running a vehicle check confirms the car isn't recorded as stolen, written off or carrying outstanding finance. Our used car viewing checklist covers what to look at when you see it, and for older or higher-mileage cars a pre-purchase inspection adds extra peace of mind.
FAQs
Are estate cars better value than SUVs?
Often, yes. Demand for estates is lower, so used prices tend to be softer, and an estate of a similar size will usually offer a bigger boot and better fuel economy thanks to its lower, more aerodynamic shape. The trade-off is a lower seating position.
Which of these cars is cheapest to run?
If you can charge at home, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric or Renault Megane E-Tech will usually be the cheapest to run. If you can't plug in, the Suzuki Swace and Honda Civic hybrids are the most economical choices here for most drivers.
Find your next used car on Cazoo
The most popular choice isn't always the best one for you, and a little open-mindedness can get you more space, more comfort or lower running costs for the same budget. Browse thousands of used listings on Cazoo, or narrow things down with our range of used estates and hybrids.